Aztreonam, Solubilized

Aztreonam, Solubilized is a β-lactam antibiotic originally isolated from Chromobacterium violaceum. It is freely soluble in water at 100 mg/ml. Aztreonam is categorized as a monobactam as it contains a single β-lactam ring instead of the fused β-lactam and thiazolidine rings found in generic β-lactams. Due to its unique structure, Aztreonam is not typically inactivated by β-lactamases. Aztreonam is used to combat Gram-negative bacteria in microbiology, cancer therapy, and plant tissue culture.

CAS Number

78110-38-0

Molecular Formula

C13H17N5O8S2

Molecular Weight

435.43

Mechanism of Action

β-lactams interfere with PBP (penicillin binding protein) activity involved in the final phase of peptidoglycan synthesis. PBP’s are enzymes which catalyze a pentaglycine crosslink between alanine and lysine residues providing additional strength to the cell wall. Without a pentaglycine crosslink, the integrity of the cell wall is severely compromised and ultimately leads to cell lysis and death. Resistance to β-lactams is commonly due to cells containing plasmid encoded β-lactamases.

Storage Conditions

2-8 °C

Tariff Code

2941.90.5000

Spectrum

Cancer Applications

Aztreonam was effective as the single active antibiotic in the treatment of Gram-negative infections in neutropenic patients; however, it must be used in combination with another antibiotic to provide Gram-positive coverage.